The Whispering Fog by Landra Jennings

What worked:

Family dynamics is an underlying story as Rose and Neve try to adjust to their parents’ separation. The sisters are almost inseparable even though Neve is almost a year younger and their parents think they should become more independent. Ruby’s outspokenness balances Neve’s quiet while Neve is able to help Rose with schoolwork and nerves. However, the plot changes when Ruby begins to mature while Neve isn’t ready to face changes in her life, retreating to the boxes in her room. Neve is eventually forced to take control of her own life and reveal the strong young lady within.

The author establishes an eerie setting as the family’s rented house is located remotely out in the country, next to a lake, a forest, and a swamp. At first, it seems like a picturesque scene until Neve hears about girls who’ve gone missing near there, including a classmate named Piper’s sister two years ago. No one in town comes near their home and Piper’s family actually moved away from that area. Then there’s the fog. When it appears, it creeps among the trees and bushes with soft, muffled sounds, seeming to surround unwary visitors. The fog presents itself as an evil character. A mysterious boy adds to the creepiness as Neve sees him appear on the bus, at school, and among tree branches without much information that might reveal his identity.

The author allows the plot to slowly develop and lets the tension gradually grow within Neve’s character. She senses and notices things that bother her but the hint of an explanation isn’t shared until a brief chapter about a witch and her daughters. It reveals a deal made with dwarves that establishes a backdrop for the current problem of missing girls. Much of the early book deals with the changing dynamics between the two sisters and Neve’s struggles to adapt. All of her decisions are based on what Rose would do and she’s reluctant to think independently. She meets Piper and is confused by the girl’s obsession with tomatoes, which is explained later in the story. Neve finally becomes more assertive, with Piper’s help, when she realizes time is running out for her sister.

What didn’t work as well:

The slowly developing plot can also be viewed as a detriment as readers anxiously await new happenings. The character development is interesting but the meat of the story is the disappearance of Rose and the other girls.

The Final Verdict:

The strong bond between two sisters battling a witch’s curse will entertain young readers looking for a spooky story. Many of them will also identify with the struggles of growing up and changing family dynamics. I recommend you give it a shot.

The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale by Nancy F. Castaldo

What worked:

The idea of preserving natural ecosystems is compelling and Isle Royale offers a mostly closed system that’s perfect for studying. The presence of humans wiped out all but two wolves on the island so efforts are being made to restore the natural balance. The author introduces the scientists, supervisor, and other researchers involved with the introduction of wild wolves onto the island so readers can identify with the people working on the project. The book includes information regarding what it takes to become a member of the research team and what applicants can expect if accepted.

The author recounts her one-week visit to the island beginning with her six-hour boat trip just to get there. She’s accompanied by an experienced photographer and her color photographs capture the animals, plant life, and workers they meet during their time there. Descriptions of data collection, hiking where trails don’t exist, and anecdotes shared by field observers highlight the narrative. The researchers keep careful records and collect everything they find including moose and wolf dung.

The book includes an overview of the least-visited national park, its history, and how the island reached a point of needing genetic rescue. Settlers established copper mines on it but the winter climate and distance from the mainland don’t make it an ideal location to live. The researchers themselves leave the island during the winter months. An old lighthouse and some historic homes offer limited sites for tourists and the one restaurant closes at 7:00 pm. The natural beauty of the island and its wildlife lead to it becoming a national park in the 1940’s.

What didn’t work as well:

The narrative is a bit dry as the author recounts her experiences on the island. This is to be expected in a non-fiction book so it’s not a surprise. The purpose of the book is to inform more than entertain so descriptions aren’t embellished with flowery language. However, the topic of the book is interesting and the author makes the experience relatable for young readers.

The Final Verdict:

The graphics can appeal to all readers but the narrative will be most appreciated by lovers of wildlife and scientific research. Ecology issues and global warming are addressed along with the genetic rescue project itself, so readers with social awareness will enjoy the book too. 

Up to No Ghoul by Cullen Bunn

What worked:

The author takes the time to establish a backstory, something readers don’t always see in graphic novels. The town was once a haven for witches escaping persecution but it’s assumed they still performed evil spells once they arrived. The arrival of a mysterious bloodmobile only adds to the aura as readers try to figure out why it’s come and who’s sponsoring it. Fittingly, much of the activity occurs at night only adding to the spookiness. The illustrations will help readers visualize the evil force attacking Ander’s Landing and the underground world where the ghouls can be found. The overall plot is well-developed with interesting, descriptive events and spooky twists sprinkled in.

Grey is the main character and the author and illustrator team up to present his complicated life. It seems he has a friend, a ghoul named Lavinia, who lives in the graveyard. It’s not clear how they met (it obviously happened in the previous book), but Lavinia and Grey have become close friends despite the efforts of the ghoul leadership. Pictures and text reveal Grey’s nightmares of mixed-up events, ignited by the presence of the bloodmobile parked in front of the school. He suspects vampires are behind the blood collection and his bad dreams but the truth is far worse than that. Grey and Lavinia are determined to protect each other, the ghouls, and the townspeople, and his best friend Marshall will be there to support them.

Featuring ghouls in a story makes this book a great read for the Halloween season. The author and illustrator are able to develop tension as Grey slowly discovers the dangers emerging in his town. Action scenes full of chasing and fighting spice up the narrative and more reflective scenes provide a balance. The author includes a bit of humor, especially playful banter between Grey and Lavinia. After Lavinia shares a story about the danger they’ll be facing, Grey manages to repeatedly mess up the pronunciation until Lavinia realizes it’s just to annoy her. The drama, suspense, and levity offer young readers a wonderful blend of entertainment.

What didn’t work as well:

The transitions between scenes early in the book aren’t always clearly defined which sometimes creates some momentary confusion. However, it’s not a big deal and readers should easily be able to follow the action. The rest of the book flows very nicely.

The Final Verdict:

This book is a fun, supernatural adventure with unlikely friendships and spookiness mixed in. Grey’s loyalty to Lavinia is unwavering and the duo present a formidable force to anyone messing with the citizens of Ander’s Landing. For a graphic novel, the author and illustrator have created a compelling, entertaining story that I can highly recommend to young readers. Despite being a sequel to The Ghoul Next Door, this book can be read independently without any problem.

Thirst by Varsha Bajaj

What worked:

The Indian culture is featured in the story, especially the challenges of living within a caste system. Minni’s family is of a low caste and they live in a tiny shack with a leaky tin roof. Minni’s brother had to quit school after tenth grade and hopes to become a chef someday. Her father owns a tea stand and her mother cleans the home of a wealthy family. Readers are shown a stark contrast between castes when Minni is forced to fill in for her mother. The extravagant home has running water, and a bathroom as big as Minni’s whole house! Minni’s neighborhood is called a slum, and she learns that only 5% of the city’s water supply is supposed to be enough for the 40% of the population from the lowest caste.

Much of the plot shares the challenges of Minni’s everyday life, but the value of water is emphasized too. In addition to standing in line for morning water, the family needs to boil it before drinking due to the unseen bacteria teeming inside. The water mafia steals water supplies around the city and sells it for huge profits. They bribe officials and the police to ignore their crimes but the citizens are the ones who pay the price. Minni’s brother is forced to flee the city when he witnesses thieves stealing water from a tanker truck since the water mafia will kill him if he’s found. Everyone prays for a plentiful monsoon season when torrential rains will make fresh water more available and ease the citizens’ struggles.

The family unit is especially important to Minni but she realizes her “family” extends into the community as well. She dearly misses her brother and she’ll do anything to help her mother and father. After her mother becomes ill, Minni discovers all of the unseen things her mother has done to support her kids and family. Minni struggles to take on her mother’s tasks but neighbors are ready to assist her with food and friendship. Minni’s best friend, teacher, and others offer her assistance when things become overwhelming. Minni is able to find success with the help from her community.

What didn’t work as well:

The head of the local water mafia is predictable and the arrest almost felt anticlimactic. I was expecting more drama and suspense due to Minni’s involvement but the story’s climax didn’t reach the heights I expected. The focus of the book is more about Minni’s struggles living in the slums so I guess it makes sense.

The Final Verdict:

The author presents a variety of problems for Minni and readers should empathize with people oppressed by society due to their circumstances. It’s hard to succeed when others tell you that you’re a lesser person. The book tells an emotional tale of a young girl chasing her dreams, and I recommend you give it a shot.

A Tangle of Spells (A Pinch of Magic #3) by Michelle Harrison

What worked:

The plot focuses on Betty, the middle sister between little Charlie and older sister Fliss. Betty loves maps and her insatiable curiosity is perfect for solving mysteries. The sisters are close and kind, although Betty sometimes wishes boys would notice her the way Fliss’s beauty attracts their interests. Betty slowly figures out witches have placed spells on everyone in the village except for her and Charlie. She also realizes Fliss is the target of something terrible and it looks like history may be repeating itself. Betty must discover who is controlling the townspeople, why they’ve chosen Fliss, and most importantly, uncover some way to break the village’s curse.

Magic is part of the book but it’s carefully woven into the plot. The sisters have a set of magical nesting dolls but they’re very careful about when they’re used to make the girls invisible. Their new hometown of Pendlewick has a history of witches and the barren tree in the center of town is a reminder of a horrible past. The sisters’ Granny is deeply superstitious and immediately notices the salt and silver coins placed around their new home to keep something evil out, or something in. The magic becomes more prominent when Betty notices Fliss sleepwalking and their pet cat starts coughing up frogs. The second half of the book is all about the magic as the girls find out if their bit of invisibility is enough to stop the powerful spells cast by ageless witches.

Mystery drives the plot and it begins as soon as the sisters arrive to Pendlewick. They hear the story of a witch killed where the barren tree stands and are told never to speak of magic. Their rundown new home has a history and the girls slowly uncover its secrets. They discover a secret room hidden behind Betty’s closet but some items inside only lead to more questions. The room holds a picture of a young girl named Ivy who disappeared two years earlier after being accused of witchcraft. It becomes Betty’s mission to discover what happened to Ivy and uncover clues as to what’s happening in the town now. It’s not too hard to predict the identity of the witches but the author keeps their motives secret until the plot nears its climax.

What didn’t work as well:

There’s enough backstory to enjoy the book by itself but readers will realize a lot happened before it started. The opening chapter finds the family preparing to leave a penal island for the first time since an enchantment kept them from leaving. The origin of the nesting dolls is also unknown so readers will need to read the previous books if they’d like to have answers to unanswered questions.

The Final Verdict:

The author creates a wonderful mystery full of adventure and magic that culminates with an unexpected, thrilling ending. Lovers of the mystical arts and sisterhood will enjoy it as the three sisters will always have each other’s backs. I highly recommend you give this book a shot!

Relatively Normal Secrets by C.W. Allen

What worked:

The most interesting character is the family’s “dog” named Nyx. It’s actually a Gabriel Hound and it strikes fear into all of the citizens of Falinnheim. Actually, Tuesday and Zed are unaware their family pet can burst into flames and attack anyone threatening the family until they’re transported to another dimension. As terrifying as Nyx can be as a Gabriel Hound, she can be a playful, loving friend when back in her dog form. The kids are lost in Falinnheim but Nyx seems to know where they’re supposed to go. Tuesday and Zed put their trust in Nyx that she will safely deliver them where they’re meant to be. However, other characters have different intentions for the children.

The author effectively keeps the mystery of the parents going throughout the first third of the book. Tuesday is especially suspicious of them since she doesn’t know what her father does at work and they apparently have no other relatives. What kind of people would name their kids Tuesday June Furst and Zed? Their mother doesn’t go anywhere without Nyx by her side so it’s strange she’d leave on a “business trip” with their father but leave Nyx behind with the kids. Tuesday and Zed realize their suspicions have merit when two men break into their home intending to kidnap them. Readers will wonder what’s going on right along with Tuesday and Zed.

The teamwork displayed between the two siblings is admirable and entertaining as they take turns discovering useful information. Zed is more thoughtful as he tries to understand the connections between all of the events and the evidence they uncover. He takes his time to reflect. Tuesday is more emotional and impulsive and tends to act and speak when angered. She is also very intelligent and new thoughts evolve when exchanging ideas with Zed. Decoding the posted nursery rhymes is a great example of them working together. Tuesday’s surprised at times when Zed shares information with strangers but he always has a good reason behind it. For example, their captors have had many opportunities to kill them so why not answer their questions now?

What didn’t work as well:

Nyx always comes to the rescue when Zed and Tuesday are in danger but it would be more exciting and add some variety if the kids were able to use their own skills and brains sometimes. They’re intelligent characters so it’s definitely within the realm of possibility. As it is, readers know the kids will always be safe when Nyx comes to the rescue.

The Final Verdict:

The overall premise of the story isn’t overly unique but a protective Gabriel Hound is a nice twist. The plot moves along smoothly and quickly and reveals some surprising truths regarding several characters, especially toward the end. Lovers of adventure will definitely enjoy the book and I recommend you give it a shot.

My Life Begins by Patricia MacLachlan

What worked:

While not written in verse, the narrative has a poetic sound to it. The words ebb and flow as nine-year-old Jacob relates his experiences with having newborn triplet sisters. Short sentences and phrases are blended with longer ones to express his range of emotions as he adapts to no longer being the only child. “But I smile instead. I smile. Like Lizzie.” At the end of each chapter, Jacob records his observations of the Trips in a journal for a class research assignment. His reflections are listed in a poetic manner that reinforces the feeling of verse, and the presentation of his journal to the class helps form the book’s climax.

The author captures the highlights of child development as the Trips grow from newborns to Trips unleashed, the father’s term for toddlers learning to crawl and walk. Jacob first views them as one addition to the family, the Trips, all of them crying, eating, sleeping, and needing new diapers. Their sounds and facial expressions begin to differentiate them and first words and first steps are celebrated. The author captures the innocent fascination young children have as they discover the world around them.

Jacob’s character transforms as he adjusts to living with his three new sisters. Before and after their birth, he keeps asking his parents for a new puppy and saying how a puppy would be easier to care for than three babies. His attitude changes one night when he hears Lizzie crying and cuddles her for comfort. Although the Trips are identical, their behaviors slowly reveal developing personalities. Jacob realizes he’ll need to find a forever name for them since the term Trips labels them as one thing. However, each sister is a blossoming individual.

What didn’t work as well:

I’m not sure of the universal appeal of the book since babies and toddlers are the focus. Young readers may not gravitate to it, but the story is expertly crafted by the author. Readers with a passion for literature should appreciate the artistry of the narrative and the tender feelings of love and family shared.

The Final Verdict:

The book can be read fairly quickly; it depends on how long readers want to savor the language and emotions. Readers with younger siblings will especially enjoy the story as they’ll be able to share similar experiences with Jacob. I can easily recommend this book for your reading pleasure.

Grounded For All Eternity by Darcy Marks

What worked:

Mal is an archangel living in Hell and it’s assumed he’ll lead his squadron just like his parents. Mal’s not sure that’s the future he wants. Featuring fallen angels as the main characters is not something you see all the time, but these characters are fated to be Hell’s guardians, keeping evil souls from escaping. Mal and two friends find themselves pushed through a barrier onto Earth and immediately realize they no longer have their large, black wings. Mal’s brain still thinks like a Power but he finds himself in the unfamiliar world of the living and readers will be amused as he tries to adapt. He can see humans’ auras and knows if they’re headed toward heaven or hell, or if their eternities are uncertain. Unfortunately, Mal, Lilith, and Crowley have released an evil soul that is determined to upset the balance of good and evil.

Hell is much like Earth, except for orange skies, fiery fences, and eternal damnation. Mal lives in a neighborhood, enjoys his break from school, and revels in playing video games with his friends. Most of the plot happens in the human world but it still shares issues related to the supernatural. One of Mal’s biggest fears is that he’ll end up stuck in heaven for all of eternity and the angel who keeps popping up to deliver him there only adds to his worries. Imps, brownies, and daemons also pop up but they’re not a big factor in the plot. Inhabitants of Hell are stereotyped by everyone else

The story blends real social issues with the exciting adventure of Hell’s guardians trying to capture an escaped soul. The misconceptions of stereotypes are a big factor in the books as the humans, the angel, and the Powers all have assumptions of the others based on what they’ve been told. Mal is upset by the expectation of becoming an archangel leader like his parents and he feels adults make all the important decisions in his life. Young readers will relate to wanting some control over what happens to them and the frustration when parents micromanage. Mal also struggles to share his feelings with his friends as he doesn’t want to disappoint them or let them down. Finally, Mal has conflicting thoughts about his sexuality. Early on, he’s infatuated with Lilith and gets red-faced and tongue-tied when he happens to touch her. However, these thoughts become muddled when another character enters the story.

What didn’t work as well:

It would be nice if Mal and his friends retained more of their Hellish abilities on Earth. Crowley is able to wield magic and his weakened power is the only one having a major impact on the story. I know making the kids more like humans adds to their difficulties and conflicts so it’s not a big deal.

The Final Verdict:

The closeness of Mal and his friends offers friendly banter and tender moments as their adventure on Earth ensues. A time limit adds to the suspense as three possible outcomes count down, two of them being very bad. Young readers will enjoy the twists and surprises in the plot and I recommend you give this book a shot.

Frigg’s Journey to Anasgar (Chronicles of Nadavir #1) by Deb Cushman

What worked:

A huge part of the plot concerns the role of women in society. Frigg is a female dwarf in a culture where only males can become leaders or learn to fight. They’re expected to be domestic but Frigg hates the idea of cooking, sewing, and taking care of a home. She longs for adventure and sometimes spies on the boys while they’re getting battle training. Her tutor offers lessons beyond domestication skills so Frigg is more worldly and independent than most female dwarves. That doesn’t usually help when trying to reason with her father, the leader of the dwarves and the realm of Nadavir.

The author casts humans as evil beings as unicorns, elves, and other magical creatures have ventured underground to find refuge living with the dwarves. Humans are destroying trees and digging up the earth, forcing the creatures to flee their homes. Frigg’s quest to find Anasgar will take her through the human world with the knowledge that she’ll likely be killed by them if discovered. She has no experience aboveground and the group she’s formed, reluctantly, offers a little bit of hope for success. A pixie, elf, unicorn, and glowworm provide their own special talents to the quest. It’s unlikely Frigg will complete the journey without encountering humans and they will present problems and surprises she never expects. Readers will enjoy the creative twists in the plot.

I especially appreciate the concept of the legendary world of Anasgar. The dwarves know their ancestors lived there many years ago and no living dwarf remembers why communication between the two realms was halted. Many fear Anasgar is inhabited by malevolent dwarves and reopening contact with them will doom the peace-loving Nadavir. However, the dwarves need help to defeat the invading trolls. These conflicting ideas make Frigg’s mission to find Anasgar similar to opening Pandora’s Box. Will finding these ancestors be the dwarves’ salvation or will it release even greater threats?

What didn’t work as well:

 Some of the narrative lacks detail or moves a little too quickly so the scenes aren’t as descriptive as they might be. The narrative is still engaging but it sometimes feels like something is missing. However, the overall story is still extremely entertaining and should appeal to most middle-grade readers.

The Final Verdict:

Frigg is a wonderful underdog character who is determined to save her friends and other magical creatures. Females take on prominent roles and prejudices are challenged by the circumstances. Lovers of mythical beings will enjoy the story, and I highly recommend you give it a shot!

The Battle of the Snake (The Adventures of Crimson and the Guardian #1) by Karen Cossey

What worked:

The plot moves very quickly. The first chapter finds Kinsey, an ordinary kitchen maid, donning a cape, meeting a unicorn named Crimson, and defeating a river dragon. Crimson renames her Malin, meaning Little Warrior, and she begins her role as a young boy squiring with Sir Ivor. The adventure finds her traveling the country with Crimson in anticipation of war and few pages are wasted between stops. Malin learns new fighting skills from the unicorn and a character they meet along the way and the magic of the cape seems to offer help too. The cape actually performs as a toolbox as it contains many hidden uses that Malin slowly discovers.

The prologue tells readers that unicorns existed when the Creator of All was forming the world and they’re tasked with monitoring humans and protecting the world from evil. Crimson is the only unicorn in the book and she is an interesting character to consider. On the one hand, she’s an ageless creature with an awareness of the world and all of its inhabitants. She wields magical abilities that aren’t often used but Malin draws strength from her presence. On the other hand, Crimson is vulnerable to attack and isn’t always aware of everything happening around her. Her signs of fragility are in contrast to her seemingly powerful, eternal presence.

The plot includes action scenes that should appeal to young readers. In addition to the river dragon, Malin battles many other creatures that come in a range of sizes and challenges. She’s not even safe sleeping in trees as some creatures have acute senses of smell and hearing and are trained for hunting. Malin finds that she’ll need to perfect her archery skills in order to stop some threats from a distance as the Snake is able to send attackers in many different forms. Danger constantly awaits Malin throughout her journey.  

What didn’t work as well:

While the plot moves swiftly, this results in a lack of character and plot development. Readers aren’t required to infer much as the narrator literally informs them of all problems and everything happening. There’s little need for reader imagination, thinking, or predicting. This may appeal to novice readers but those with more experience may miss a mental connection with the story.

The Final Verdict:

The exciting adventure and the partnership between Malin and Crimson create the foundation for a thrilling book. The lack of detail may leave some readers wanting more from the characters and story but it will be very entertaining for those wanting a quick read. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Children of Stardust by Edudzi Adodo

What worked:

The author creates a world somewhere in the galaxy by blending familiar terms along with new vocabulary. Zero lives in the City of Children after all the adults disappear following the Great Flash. He’s a human teen who is used to interacting with creatures coming in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Whizzers are spaceships used for flying to different planets and asteroids, and Kobastickers allow owners to wield a variety of abilities. Zero finds himself unexpectedly connected to a very rare Zodiac Kobasticker. He uses his laptop-like Goober to look up information, to watch his favorite show, “Saba Now”, and to apply for membership into different Saba guilds. Characters play video games, and references are made to an ancient planet (Earth) that used VCR tapes as weapons and pizza boxes full of unhealthy foods to poison people.

Zero is a kind character who dreams of exploring the galaxy as a Saba. He’s not supremely intelligent and he’s physically average, so it’s easy to connect with this “normal” young boy. Readers will sympathize with him since he’s an orphan struggling to survive in a world with no adults. He travels to a distant asteroid where he trains to become a Saba, an explorer of the galaxy. He ultimately wants to find out what happened to his first mentor, a famous Saba who’s missing and presumed dead. Zero struggles to master his Kobasticker and later learns there may be a reason for his problems. The history of his Kobasticker comes with complications, like bounty hunters who will kill for it, that add additional drama for readers to enjoy.

The author provides many obstacles to Zero’s mission, as the characters scamper to avoid the Space Force and later clash with the Space Mafia. Zero and his two mentors are faced with cryptic clues to follow, as they try to retrieve the Mask of the Shaman King before it’s used to free a long-imprisoned terror to the galaxy. They can’t always trust apparent friends, and that’s not just because transformation Kobastickers are available. Other people are searching for the mask and they will go to any extreme to get their hands on it. Zero and his friends are forced to escape death or imprisonment throughout the entire story.

What didn’t work as well:

The main conflict isn’t introduced until the middle of the book, so the first half of the story doesn’t have a destination to focus on. It’s my preference to have some idea of the problem earlier in the plot, but it may not bother others. It’s not really a big issue but it doesn’t work as well for me.

The Final Verdict:

Stay true to yourself. The story is exciting, creative, and fast-paced, especially in the second half of the book. The plot is familiar and easy to follow, so readers are able to focus on the entertaining descriptions and details the author incorporates. I recommend you give this book a shot, especially lovers of science fiction.

Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria by George Jreije

What worked:

Shad moved with his father to the United States from Lebanon, so the Arabic culture is a big part of the story. Shad lives with his grandma, his Teta, since his father, his Baba, died in a car accident. He stops by a local bakery daily to enjoy the delicious aromas and to watch the baker’s assistants make baklava and knafeh. Arabic food is often mentioned throughout the story, and Shad often uses Arabic words as exclamations. He uses the word fig as a form of swearing or as a derogatory term toward others. Other cultural terms are used, but readers should be able to use context to understand their meanings.

Bullies are an issue for Shad at home and at the school for alchemy. Part of his problem is the fact that he refuses to back down to them, and he won’t stand by while others are being bullied. Sarah is his main antagonist even though they’d been best friends a few years ago, until her parents told her to stop hanging out with an Arabic boy. She bullies him at school and on the street, and he doesn’t make things better with his verbal barbs and pranks. On Shad’s first day at the alchemy school, he steps in when he sees a girl being bullied and he takes the blame when another classmate makes an embarrassing comment about the dean. This demonstrates his moral character, but it makes him immediately known to everyone at the school, including the bullies. Unfortunately, Shad is shocked when a familiar bully from his past appears and is determined to make Shad’s life miserable, and dangerous.

The early part of the book sounds like many other middle-grade books as the main character discovers he has unknown abilities and attends a school for training. The twist this time is when Shad arrives and learns no one knows anything about alchemy. Basically, alchemy involves mixing ingredients to create elixirs, powders, and other concoctions. It’s supposedly not magic, but the alchemist’s thoughts and intentions provide the final element to finalize the creation. The essence of the plot is how necromancers are trying to eliminate all alchemists from existence if they don’t share the necromancer’s evil objectives. They want to create an elixir to give eternal life and raise the original necromancer, but they can’t figure out the final ingredient or the measurements. Of course, Shad is the only one with that knowledge, so danger awaits him in the shadows wherever he goes.

What didn’t work as well:

Some “battle” scenes are harder to visualize/accept when characters are mixing ingredients to use as weapons or for defense. Can you picture combatants combining various ingredients while fighting is going on around them? Alchemy is like science and requires specific ingredients and measurements, but Shad often eyeballs the amounts of substitute compounds he uses. These concerns don’t affect the entertainment value of the book, but they just seem odd.

The Final Verdict:

Search for the good in an enemy. The concept of Shad attending a school for alchemy where no one has heard of it makes this story very imaginative. Shad’s an admirable protagonist, as his empathy, bravery, and determination drive him to succeed. I’m looking forward to the sequel, and I recommend you give this book a shot!

The Last Halloween (Misfit's Magic #1) by Fred Gracely

What worked:

The setting is a small town in the Northeast. The author presents the backstory through the eyes of Goff as he tries to complete an article about Spraksville and its history of witchcraft. The eerie atmosphere is created through the numerous gargoyles found around town and the old, creepy cemetery next to Goff’s foster home. His foster life is awful, as he sleeps on a mattress among spiders in the dusty attic, his only companions being a scraggly, old dog named Brak and a “taxidermied” cat he calls Maxim. With no one around that Goff can call friends, his life at home and at school is hell. Readers will know the climax nears when sunshine is replaced by eerie red skies and doom and gloom take over the setting.

Goff is portrayed as a victim which will help readers envision him as an underdog character. He’s bullied by older kids in a pizza place, and they manage to get him banned from the restaurant for defending himself. Another kid likes to punch Goff due to his nerdiness (he says he has no choice, it’s the law) and Goff wearing a sorcerer’s hat and cape doesn’t help matters. Goff’s just gotten new foster siblings and the brother and sister like nothing better than to torment him. Even his foster father bullies Goff, as the man says he never liked the boy and that Goff is a nothing. The author repeatedly stresses Goff’s dismal life to set the groundwork for his improbable role as the unlikely hero battling an overwhelming, powerful wizard. Through it all, he’s honest, loyal, and displays empathy for others, and these qualities will become keys to his success.

Goff knows nothing about the magical world and there’s really nobody able or willing to help him learn. Harkland Mathers is a powerful wizard antagonist but he’s obviously not going to assist Goff. Goff’s first allies are Brak, Maxim, and a skeleton named Bones, but he also finds aid from two human classmates. Lydia has an enthusiastic interest in strange theories, while Halstrom is the large, intelligent, overly logical character. Halstrom adds a taste of humor through his intolerance for double negatives and statements that are vague or illogical. He’s the first one to suspect Goff possesses magic since no other explanation fits his observations and reasoning. Goff’s group slowly grows but it appears his abilities as a wizard are far from what will be needed to defeat an enemy that has had centuries to prepare for the final battle.

What didn’t work as well:

I’m sure Goff would agree that his failures and constantly being told he’s worthless become tiresome. Of course, this description is the basis for the whole story so it shouldn’t bother readers that much.

The Final Verdict:

A kind heart has its own magic. This book exceeds my expectations and it checks off many boxes of an outstanding story. A protagonist who is an overwhelming underdog with absolutely no chance of success will appeal to a wide audience. The cast of supporting characters adds humor and heart to the book and makes the whole story more entertaining. I highly recommend you give it a shot.

Crunch by Kayla Miller

What worked:

Compared to most graphic novels I’ve read, this book does pretty well in developing Olive’s character. The whole story is about her and the many different activities she takes on. Middle-grade readers may relate to her stress since that’s a time when many new clubs, sports, and hobbies become available to them. It’s a time to explore interests but that sometimes gets out of control. Olive is enthusiastic (impulsive?) as she’s already quit karate after three classes and now spontaneously plans to enter a short-film contest she notices on a bulletin board. Never mind the fact she doesn’t have an idea for a film nor does she have a camera to record one. She displays social awareness as she uses her position on the student council to challenge the school dress code. However, she lacks the foresight of the consequences of joining the Berry Scouts in addition to school, homework, and other commitments.

There are a couple of curiosities about the story that may resonate with young readers. The film contest consumes Olive’s attention despite being one thing in her life she hasn’t planned on. She notices an ad for the upcoming contest and it immediately distracts her in school and at school when she should be practicing guitar, doing homework, and helping her friend with Berry Scouts. Another unexpected aspect of the story is the fact there aren’t any negative characters. All of Olive’s friends and classmates get along and are respectful to adults. It seems like every book has at least one character who goofs off, bullies others, or causes trouble but you won’t find that in this one. Actually, Olive’s friends, family, and teachers are very supportive and understanding even though they’re not fully aware of what she’s going through.

As with all graphic novels, pictures are used to replace text so they’re very important in telling the story. The illustrations in this book aren’t overly detailed but they effectively communicate events and emotions to keep the plot moving. Groups of pictures quickly display time passing in school and dinner at home to allow more focus on Olive’s overwhelming extracurricular activities. Facial expressions and graphic techniques offer clues to characters’ feelings as conflict and tension affect their lives. A sequence of illustrations shares Olive’s nightmare caused by her internal conflicts as the plot nears its climax.

What didn’t work as well:

A common problem with graphic novels is the lack of text leaves out details and descriptions to help readers fully understand characters and make connections. The development of Olive’s character is better than average but the other characters are lacking. This book still presents an interesting story that generally reflects the lives of many middle-grade readers.

The Final Verdict:

The author/illustrator expertly meshes pictures and words to create a charming story of a young girl learning to find balance in her life. The pictures help keep the narrative moving and the conflict will be relatable for many young readers. I recommend you give this book a shot.

No Admissions (The Infamous Frankie Lorde #3)

What worked:

Frankie is the daughter of an international thief and she’s learned some skills as his assistant. Instead of dolls, she receives a grappling hook launcher for her fifth birthday! She uses her talents to help others as she recovers a stolen science project for a classmate. She has no desire to make more friends as her one companion Ollie is all she needs. She helps him make a big splash during lunch period with the hope his performance might impress the school’s drama supervisor. Frankie lives with her uncle, a police detective, and he’s fully aware that she’s inherited many of her father’s criminal abilities. This creates a unique dynamic between the two characters, although Frankie also has a bit to learn about friendship.

The story will force readers to wonder about ethics and morality. Frankie does things that must be considered wrong or illegal at school and during her schemes. She sets off the school’s sprinkler system and is guilty of breaking and entering but she does these things to help her friends. Does that make it okay? Parents are cheating the education system to enroll their kids at exclusive schools although some adults neglect to consider the feelings, thoughts, and dreams of their own children. Frankie sets out to punish the families but she’s forced to reconsider her motivations. She wonders why the parents resort to illegal tactics and the results of her investigation come as a surprise. Is it okay to break the law if it’s done for a “good” reason?

The book offers a variety of family issues for readers to consider. Frankie’s father being in prison is uncommon but her guardian’s desire to have a social life is not. Frankie has mixed emotions about the situation and must learn that not everything is about her. Her best friend Ollie comes from a large family and spends much of his time with Frankie and her uncle. He receives more attention there than with his own family and seems almost like Frankie’s brother. The four families involved in the admissions scandal present different family dynamics, although on the surface none of them should need to resort to illegal activities. The parents include a doctor, a famous actor, and another working in finances so money should not be a problem. They all have high expectations for their children that often conflict with the desires of the kids. Frankie learns secrets about their families and her classmates, and she begins to understand the school bully’s behavior. Frankie even feels some sympathy for the girl tormenting her classmates.

What didn’t work as well:

Frankie utilizes innovative technology that doesn’t fit the overall realistic fiction of the story. Most of her actions are relatively believable until she receives high-tech “gifts” from a new friend and she wears a ninja-like outfit that’s everything-proof. However, these impossible factors don’t detract from the overall story and actually enhance Frankie’s daring schemes.

The Final Verdict:

This book can be enjoyed independently of the first two books in the series. It’s nice to see justice come to people with attitudes that they’re above the rules and laws and the underdogs score a win. Frankie’s game plan is fun to follow although predictably something unplanned always pops up. The book should be enjoyable to all middle-grade readers and I highly recommend you give it a shot. 

Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians (Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians #6) by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson

What worked:

You’ll need to have a tolerance for silly humor with much of it being sarcastic in nature. Vicious kittens are within the realm of possibility. Alcatraz and his relatives have unusual Talents, with breaking things being Alcatraz’s ability. However, it has broken all of the other abilities, so there are few, if any, powers to get the characters out of trouble. Consequently, the first half of the book finds Alcatraz stumbling about in a funk instead of sharing ideas on how to stay alive. A large issue in the series is Alcatraz’s poor self-image, and it gets especially bad when he feels guilty for his father’s death at the end of the previous book. Bastille replaces Alcatraz as the narrator this time and adds her own snide comments and opinions to the story.
A fun aspect of the series is how the narrator references librarians and the writing process. Obviously, librarians are evil as they control everything we read and know. They’re even the ones who put those annoying tags in our shirt collars to distract and agitate us, and even reformed librarians can’t resist organizing everything they encounter. Bastille picks up where Alcatraz left off and shares her thoughts about narrating the book, although the publisher edits her when her descriptions of violence get too gross and disturbing. She tries to improve on Alcatraz’s previous attempts by expanding her vocabulary, but she takes issue with using puns unless it’s in self-defense.
Bastille’s character is the most interesting since she’s a warrior sworn to protect the Smedry family from all dangers and death. She also has feelings and emotions that she tries to conceal since they don’t fit the image of a fierce warrior. Bastille doesn’t want to admit she likes Alcatraz, and she feels resentment toward not being an oculator like the Smedrys. The animated discussions going on in her own mind are hilarious, as she tries to rationalize her accounts of events and her writing style to readers. These moments act as amusing timeouts before returning to the wacky adventure. Bastille refers to her literary license a few times when she uses unnecessarily big words or overuses a favorite word. She even pokes fun at the authors of this book and says Janci’s fantasy romance novels are “the most ridiculously fantastical genre of them all.”
What didn’t work as well:
I read the first book in the series but haven’t read the other four. This sixth book contains many new characters and references events I haven’t read about. Bastille shares a very brief recap in the beginning, because she assumes that’s what narrators are supposed to do, but it omits a lot of past history. The easy solution, and my suggestion for you, is to read books one through five before getting to this sixth episode in the series.
The Final Verdict:
Fall of the Librarians. I enjoy humor that makes me think, so this book’s absurd wit is up my alley. Starting the series from the beginning will be a huge help, as the adventure moves along in a familiar style. The characters and story are highly delightful, and I highly recommend you give the book, and series, a shot.

Quest for the Ring of Power (Amira & Hamza #2) by Samira Ahmed

What worked:

The adventure is chocked full of humor, as Amira and her younger brother alternate recounting the story. They are the Chosen Ones to save the world from an ancient fire spirit named Ahriman, but the kids are partnered with contrasting characters on opposing sides of the conflict. Amira is paired with Aasman Peri, and the jinn never misses a chance to point out Amira’s lack of talents. Actually, she often puts down the entire human race and our quirky lives. Hamza is taken by a dev called Ahriman, since only a Chosen One can touch pieces of the Oculus, to form a tool to locate the Ring of Power. Hamza contributes most of the funny banter, as his mind wanders to strange, random thoughts when he’s nervous, which happens frequently. Not to mention, he’s constantly nagging his captor about his need to eat and use the restroom. The author sprinkles in choose-your-own-adventure-like segments when Hamza daydreams about possible, terrifying scenarios, and Hamza is forced to answer sphinxlike riddles. Hamza is clearly the highlight of the book.

Despite the typical sibling bickering, Amira and Hamza display a deep love for one another. Amira is determined to rescue her brother even as she risks her life to survive dangerous obstacles. Hamza reluctantly remembers Amira’s advice to solve puzzles and escape his own dilemmas. It’s hard to admit his sister might be more logical and make better choices than himself. He’s especially intimidated by the riddles he’s presented since Amira and their father are the ones who enjoy solving puzzles. Nevertheless, Hamza is always confident his sister will save him, and Amira will not let him down.

The dual stories following the adventures of Amira and Hamza effectively share the plot from their two points of view. Their problems are related but separate. Much of Hamza’s narrative is within his mind since his relationship with the antagonist doesn’t lend itself to much talking. Ahriman treats him as a tool being used to collect the Oculus, and Hamza’s dialogue is often used to stall for time or as a way to cope with stress. Amira’s problem is finding her brother, so she’s forced to do more detective work by examining the clues Hamza leaves behind. The story includes Islamic folklore, so elements of the culture are sprinkled in.

What didn’t work as well:         

The publisher indicates this book can be read independently from the first, but the jinn world isn’t clear. I’m not sure why the non-magical siblings are the Chosen Ones, but all of the characters are aware of it. The kids don’t have any apparent special abilities and their companions make snide comments about them being useless humans. Readers will still be able to easily understand the plot, and most of the disparaging comments only add to the humor.

The Final Verdict:

The power of sibling love. The author presents an exciting escapade of jinn and a hidden ring that transports the characters around the world. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy humor and adventure, and I recommend you give it a shot.

Always, Clementine by Carlie Sorosiak

The format of the story is unique as Clementine writes imaginary letters to her chimpanzee friend stuck in the experimental laboratory. The opening and closing of each letter (chapter) are often directed specifically to Rosie, but most of the time the narration sounds like most other first-person novels. The book’s title comes from a fruit Clementine enjoys eating and it’s phrased in the way she ends each letter. She may like clementine oranges but she loves brussels sprouts and mentions them frequently.

The story reminds me a bit of the Newbery winner Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH with an escaped lab animal displaying amazing intellect. Clementine’s DNA is altered making her a genius, even compared to most humans. The author doesn’t spend much time describing her escape from the lab and quickly moves the plot to Clementine being discovered by a kind man named Pops and his grandson Gus. The conflict is created when the laboratory comes looking for Clementine and Pops and Gus try to figure out a way to protect her. A complication is Clementine’s very noticeable raspberry scent that may lead to her doom. Clementine easily learns and masters the game of chess so Pops thinks there might be a way to use it to save her.

The story includes several other issues beyond the main conflict of Clementine versus the lab. Pops was a chess champion but readers don’t know why he’s refused to play for many years. It’s an internal conflict that’s revealed later. Gus has problems with self-confidence since his father’s always on his case for making mistakes or bad decisions. Gus constantly thinks of himself as being stupid or a troublemaker and it takes his relationships with Gus and Pops to finally change. Even Clementine realizes she has a self-image problem because of her time in the lab. She realizes everyone is more than what others think of them.

What didn’t work as well:

Using mental letters to represent chapters is unique and clever but it isn’t really necessary. I keep reminding myself that Rosie isn’t receiving the letters and the narrative mostly sounds like any other first-person novel anyhow. However, the story is engaging and the emotional letters display Clementine’s devotion and commitment to helping Rosie.

The Final Verdict:

The author weaves a tender, caring tale through a collection of letters that emphasizes the importance of friendship, empathy, and social justice. The abuse of lab animals is the impetus for the book and forms the center of the conflict. I highly recommend you give this book a shot, especially if you’re a lover of small animals. 

The Ink of Elspet (The Inkwell Chronicles #1) by J.D. Peabody

What worked:

The existence of Ink is the foundation for this series. It’s a magical resource found inside the earth, but its essence is creative energy. It enhances the innovative ideas of Inklings, those able to use it, so you can probably guess famous authors, artists, and inventors in history enjoyed increased levels of creativity using Ink. The main conflict pits blotters bent on eliminating Ink from existence against Inklings scrambling to protect the last Inkwell called Elspet. An additional antagonist is included, but he’s solely hoping to profit from the last remaining Ink on earth. His role forms a subplot that will probably become more prominent in the book’s sequel.

While Everett is the main character, his younger sister Bea is quite interesting. She’s daring and adventurous, and she loves to challenge herself with Houdini-like feats. Her escape talents and lock-picking skills come in handy during sticky situations. She jumps at the chance to ride on the back of a giant homing pigeon. However, the author balances that spirit with the innocence of an 8-year-old child, as her sole motivation is to find her kidnapped daddy. Bea learns she has a rare ability to hear the mysterious Ink that proves to be an asset in the quest to save her father and the last Inkwell. Bea and her brother are joined by several other Inklings with unique personalities and talents that enhance the story.

Everett questions his role in the quest to save Elspet since he’s the only one in the group unable to manipulate Ink. He’s especially upset when he discovers his little sister has a rare Inkling talent, so he tries to mask his inabilities from the others. His self-image drops even more, and his anger grows, when others receive magical pens while he’s given a pair of sticks. It’s so unfair! However, readers will easily predict the sticks are special, and Everett will have a more important role than he ever imagined. His internal conflict with self-worth rages on for most of this book.

What didn’t work as well:

The story switches settings to cover characters in different locations. It can sometimes muddle things and distract from main events, although the author’s desire to cover multiple problems and points of view is clear. The scene changes are typically a few pages long, so the majority of the plot focuses on the adventures of Everett and Bea.

The Final Verdict:

Creativity is magic. The concept of Ink is imaginative and new, so readers will appreciate novel ideas blended with entertaining characters. The line between evil and good is clear, and the end goals to save Elspet and the father are easy to follow. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

ChupaCarter by George Lopez and Ryan Calejo

What worked:

I can’t say I’ve seen many, if any, books where the mythical Chupacabra is an actual character. Carter is lurking near the home of Jorge’s grandparents, out in the middle of nowhere, and his reason for being there is revealed later in the plot. However, Carter’s not what readers might expect. He has a need to drink blood but he’s not a blood-thirsty monster. Despite being seven feet tall, the creature wears a tank top, shorts, and Converse high-top tennis shoes. He’s mischievous with a sense of humor and Jorge finds it easy to become friends. This friendship between two unlikely characters is a highlight of the book.

Jorge struggles with emotional issues and experiences fits of anger. He admits that his sassy mouth often gets him into trouble and it contributes to being kicked out of school. His mother dumps him with his grandparents on a barren farm in New Mexico, so Jorge feels abandoned. His abuela is not a sweet, understanding, supportive granny so his new home life presents additional stress. School is no better as Jorge’s temper pits him against a gang of older bullies and lands him in front of an intimidating principal. The man has traveled the world hunting big game and his office walls are covered with mounted heads of animals he’s killed. The principal says he’ll be lurking and hunting Carter for any little future infractions so Jorge finds little comfort at school. It’s not a far stretch to predict the principal will eventually pick up Carter’s trail. The author offers the principal as an effective antagonist but other creatures are introduced later.

The author includes Spanish vocabulary and it’s integrated well throughout the plot. This is mostly done using words and phrases although there are some short sentences. Readers can use context from events to understand the meanings so the words don’t pose a problem or distract from the story. Monstruo, amigo, este bien, hombre, and other Spanish terms are either defined or can be figured out. The vocabulary adds authenticity to the story’s culture without fully immersing the language in a way that might overwhelm young readers.

What didn’t work as well:

The resolution leaves questions about what happens to the evil perro and ChupaCarter. There’s a strong inference regarding what happens to ChupaCarter but it would be nice to have something more definitive tying Jorge and ChupaCarter together. There are implications a sequel might be on the way but I don’t know if that’s actually in the plans.

The Final Verdict:

Young readers will enjoy ChupaCarter’s friendly, mischievous personality and his ferocity when defending his good friend Jorge. The highly entertaining story is a mixture of adventure, drama, and humor and it touches on Jorge’s conflicted feelings about home. I recommend you give it a shot, especially if you like monsters and fun.